Welcome to the Lama Sherpa Foundation

The purpose of Lama Sherpa Foundation is to ensure and promote safety, fair working conditions, fair pay, and sustainable value creation in the local communities in the Himalayas.

This is the Lama Sherpa Foundation

Each climbing season, thousands of Sherpas, porters, cooks and other workers support mountaineers on and around the world’s highest mountains in the Himalayas.

Too many risk their lives unnecessarily, because of lack of adequate equipment, training or experience. Mountain climbing is an important source of revenue for local communities, but too many work without fair compensation.

The purpose of Lama Sherpa Foundation is to promote safety, fair working conditions, fair pay, and sustainable value creation in and around the local communities in the Himalayas.

The Lama Sherpa Foundation is named after Tenjen “Lama” Sherpa, who holds the record for being the fastest climbers to true summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters. He accomplished this feat in just 92 days, in 2023. He tragically died in an avalanche just weeks later.  

The foundation seeks to continue and build on Tenjen Sherpa’s passion and commitment for fair, safe and professional working conditions.  

Tenjen "Lama" Sherpa and Kristin Harila on an expedition to Broad Peak. Photo: Gabriel Tarso/Field Productions

Tenjen "Lama" Sherpa and Kristin Harila on an expedition to Broad Peak. Photo: Gabriel Tarso/Field Productions

Lama Sherpa Foundation’s mission

The foundation will raise awareness about and support systems, measures and initiatives that are relevant to:

Establishing absolute requirements that all mountain workers—sherpas, porters, and others—must have safe working conditions, necessary equipment, adequate training, and fair and proper compensation for their labour. All mountain users are obliged to adhere to and uphold these standards.

Mandating that every individual who utilizes the mountains shares a significant responsibility to guarantee the safety, well-being, and fair treatment of those who work on and around the mountains.

Contributing to the development and implementation of safety frameworks that enhance overall safety on the mountains. This includes supporting systems and measures that provide better risk assessment, communication, and other tools that foster a safer environment for all.

Promoting a culture where adherence to common rules and equal responsibility is not just expected but required, ensuring active contributions to the welfare of local workers by all mountain users.

Provide better risk assessment, communication, and other tools that foster a safer environment for all.

The tragic death of a porter on K2 in 2023 lead to a thorough investigation by the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. The investigations report found several avoidable causes for this accident and other tragic losses of lives, and gives recommendations for avoiding similar tragedies in the future.

Organizations we endorse

The mission of the Juniper Fund is to support and empower families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers.

Go to website

Khumbu Climing Center’s mission is to increase the safety margin of Nepali climbers and high-altitude workers by encouraging responsible climbing practices in a supportive and community-based program.

Go to website
In the news
10.12.24
Kristin Harila is going on an expedition to the South Pole
Ságat
9.12.24
Kristin Harila has started the solo expedition to the South Pole
NRK
7.12.24
Kristin Harila is starting a new foundation - now she will go alone to the South Pole
Framtid i Nord
26.11.24
Elite Climber Kristin Harila Launches the Lama Sherpa Foundation
Sports Illustrated
22.11.24
Harila is going on an expedition to the South Pole to mark a new foundation
Dagsavisen
22.11.24
Kristin Harila is going on an expedition to the South Pole to mark a new foundation
Adressa
Do you want to contribute, share ideas or get in touch?

The foundations’ main goals are set. In order to reach our goals, we need input and contributions from across the world and different fields of expertise. Therefore, we are launching our efforts with an open invitation for anyone with experiences, ideas or passion to get in touch and contribute towards our goals.

Please do not hesitate to reach out!

Contact us
We will announce updates and more information about the Foundation, our upcoming projects and our work in early 2025.
You can reach us via post@lamasherpafoundation.com. Or contact chair of the board, Kristin Harila, on post@kristinharila.com.
Kristin Harila
Chair of board

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